What can I do to help conserve nature in my area?

Appreciating and being grateful for our natural spaces, and recognizing your role within them, is the first step toward protecting biodiversity. Start with a walk in a local forest, conservation area, wetland, or nature area.  Slow down, take deep breaths, listen, and observe the life that is all around you - and say thank you. Bring family, friends, and children outside to share these experiences.  

The more time we spend connecting with nature, the more likely we are to care for and protect it.

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Learn More & Find Local Nature Trails (click on the title to learn more):​

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• Kawartha Land Trust

Explore protected properties, conservation areas, and nature reserves throughout the Kawarthas. Many sites offer opportunities to experience local forests, wetlands, grasslands, and wildlife while learning about land stewardship and conservation.​

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• Ontario Trails Council
  Discover hundreds of nature trails across Ontario and search by region, activity, or community.
   

• Ontario Nature Trails
  Find nature trails throughout Ontario, including trails in Peterborough County and the Kawarthas.
   

• Trans Canada Trail
  Explore Canada's national trail network and discover routes that connect communities with natural landscapes from coast to coast.

Spending more time in nature reveals the many gifts that wild spaces offer, from cleaner air and water to improved mental and physical well-being. Taking the time to learn about these benefits can deepen our appreciation of the natural world and strengthen our desire to protect it. Here is a short list of books and websites that can help you explore nature, biodiversity, and the human connection to the living world.

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Recommended Books:

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Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
A beautiful blend of Indigenous knowledge, scientific understanding, and personal storytelling that explores our relationship with the natural world.

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The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
An engaging look at how trees communicate, cooperate, and support one another within forest ecosystems.

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The Nature Fix by Florence Williams
Explores the growing body of research showing how time spent in nature benefits human health, creativity, and well-being.

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Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv
A powerful examination of the importance of connecting children with nature and the consequences of "nature-deficit disorder."

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Nature's Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy
A practical and inspiring guide to restoring biodiversity through native plant gardening and habitat creation.

Wilding your space at home is a simple and rewarding way to support biodiversity. By planting native species, reducing lawn areas, providing food and shelter for wildlife, and creating habitat for pollinators, birds, and other beneficial creatures, you can help restore nature right where you live.

 

Even a small garden, balcony, or backyard can become part of a larger network of habitats that supports local ecosystems and creates more opportunities for meaningful connections with nature.

 

Learn More About Wilding Your Space:

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• Homegrown National Park
  An inspiring movement founded by Douglas Tallamy that encourages people to replace portions of conventional lawns with native plants to support biodiversity and create wildlife habitat.

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• David Suzuki Foundation: Rewilding and Native Plants
  Practical guidance on creating wildlife-friendly gardens, planting native species, and supporting pollinators.

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• Ontario Nature: Gardening for Wildlife
  Resources and tips for creating habitat that supports local birds, pollinators, and other native species.

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• Pollinator Partnership Canada
  Find regional planting guides and learn how to create pollinator-friendly landscapes.

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• Native Plant Society of Ontario
  Learn about native Ontario plants and discover species suited to your region and growing conditions.

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• Canadian Wildlife Federation: Garden Habitat Program
  Ideas and practical actions for transforming yards, gardens, and community spaces into wildlife habitat.

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Remember, wilding does not mean neglecting a space. It means making room for nature by working with natural processes and welcoming the plants, insects, birds, and animals that are part of a healthy ecosystem. Every native flower planted and every patch of habitat restored is a step toward a more biodiverse future.

Conservation Authorities play a vital role in protecting watersheds, forests, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and water resources. They work with municipalities, landowners, community groups, and volunteers to reduce flooding, restore natural areas, deliver environmental education programs, monitor ecosystem health, and help communities adapt to environmental change. Alongside Conservation Authorities, organizations such as Kawartha Land Trust help conserve ecologically important lands, support stewardship, and connect people with nature through education, recreation, and conservation programs. Supporting these organizations helps protect the natural spaces and biodiversity that sustain both wildlife and people.

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Learn More About Conservation and Stewardship in Your Community:

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• Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA)
  Serving the Peterborough region and watershed, ORCA protects natural resources through watershed management, habitat restoration, environmental education, flood forecasting, stewardship programs, and conservation lands that connect people with nature.

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• Kawartha Conservation
  Protecting and restoring watersheds throughout the Kawartha Lakes region through stewardship, education, habitat restoration, and watershed management programs.

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• Kawartha Land Trust
  Kawartha Land Trust protects forests, wetlands, shorelines, and wildlife habitat throughout the Kawarthas. Explore nature reserves, learn about land stewardship, participate in community events, and discover ways to support local conservation efforts.

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• Conservation Ontario
  Learn about Ontario's network of Conservation Authorities and the important role they play in protecting watersheds, natural habitats, and biodiversity.

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• Find Your Conservation Authority
  Locate the Conservation Authority serving your watershed and learn about local programs, conservation areas, volunteer opportunities, and environmental initiatives.

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• Canadian Wildlife Federation
  Discover ways to participate in stewardship projects, habitat restoration, citizen science, and wildlife conservation efforts in your community.

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• Watersheds Canada
  Learn about shoreline naturalization, habitat restoration, water quality protection, and stewardship programs that support healthy freshwater ecosystems.

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Take Action:

Whether through volunteering, attending educational programs, participating in habitat restoration projects, donating, or simply visiting conservation lands, supporting local conservation organizations is one of the most direct ways to contribute to the health and resilience of your community's ecosystems. Healthy watersheds support healthy wildlife, healthy communities, and a healthier future for all.

As humans, we are consumers, and what we choose to spend our money on can help support healthy ecosystems and sustainable communities. From the clothing we wear to the food we eat, our daily purchases have an impact on the environment. While making environmentally conscious choices can feel overwhelming, one of the most effective places to start is by buying local.

When we support local farmers, artisans, and businesses, we can reduce the environmental impacts associated with long-distance transportation, strengthen our local economy, and build relationships with the people who produce the goods we use every day. Buying local also gives us a greater understanding of how products are made and the values of the businesses we choose to support.

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Learn More About Local Farms and Businesses:

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• Peterborough & the Kawarthas Farm Fresh: Discover local farms, farmers' markets, seasonal produce, farm stands, and food producers throughout the Peterborough and Kawarthas region.

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• Kawartha Choice Farm: Fresh Connect with local farmers, food producers, and agricultural businesses across the Kawarthas.

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• Peterborough Farmers' Market: One of Ontario's oldest farmers' markets, featuring local growers, food producers, artists, and craftspeople.

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• Local Food Peterborough: A community organization supporting local food systems, food security, community gardens, and sustainable agriculture.

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• The Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA): Explore locally owned shops, restaurants, services, and businesses in downtown Peterborough.

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• GreenUP: Learn about local sustainability initiatives, climate action, gardening programs, and opportunities to support a greener community.

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• Ontario Federation of Agriculture: Learn about Ontario agriculture and the importance of supporting local food systems.

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Questions to Ask Before You Buy

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When possible, consider:

• Was this product produced locally?

• Does the business support environmental stewardship?

• Does the product use sustainable materials or practices?

• Can I buy directly from the producer?

• Can I repair, reuse, borrow, or buy second-hand instead?

• Does this purchase strengthen my local community?

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Take Action

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Every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. By supporting local farmers, sustainable businesses, and community organizations, we help build resilient local economies while reducing environmental impacts and strengthening our connection to the places we call home.